Major League Soccer has launched a tampering investigation into Inter Miami’s signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, just hours after the club announced the deal.
The 34-year-old former Manchester United star was unveiled on Wednesday on a contract running until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend to June 2029. But minutes later, the league revealed it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against the Beckham-owned franchise.
“MLS investigates Inter Miami's signing of Casemiro after LA Galaxy allege tampering over discovery rights.”
The allegation stems from Casemiro’s discovery rights – an MLS rule that gives one club first refusal to negotiate with a player. LA Galaxy held those rights for Casemiro, and while Inter Miami said they had acquired them from the Galaxy in a settlement, the league is still investigating whether improper contact occurred before the transfer.
An MLS statement said: “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”
LA Galaxy confirmed the settlement, adding that the terms would remain confidential until the probe ends.
Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, left United at the end of last season after making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and winning an EFL Cup and FA Cup. He joins a star-studded Inter Miami squad that includes Lionel Messi, Sergio Reguilon and Rodrigo de Paul.
“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow,” Casemiro said upon signing. “I’m incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who also played for LA Galaxy, described Casemiro as “a winner who has achieved so much in the game”.
The investigation is the latest twist in a move that was already smoothed over by a settlement between the two clubs. The league’s findings could determine whether additional sanctions follow.
